Trump Throws Full Support Behind Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

United States President Donald Trump has issued a strong endorsement of Israel’s incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently in a tight race for the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump lauded the Israeli leader as a key ally of the US in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Netanyahu, writing, “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

This backing from the US president arrives just nine days before the Israeli election, following earlier speculation that an endorsement might not materialize. Trump had previously declined to endorse Netanyahu earlier in the month when repeatedly questioned about the Israeli leader's performance in an interview with Time magazine. Instead, he deflected the questions, focusing on his own popularity and Middle East security.

The two leaders have met numerous times since January 2025, but reports have surfaced regarding disagreements, particularly concerning the war against Iran and other related conflicts. In June, Trump was reportedly heard calling Netanyahu “f***ing crazy” during a phone conversation where he expressed frustration over Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Trump had allegedly urged Netanyahu to cease further action in Lebanon, seemingly in an effort to maintain a brief ceasefire with Iran that was in place in April.

The joint war against Iran, initiated by Trump and Netanyahu on February 28, has had significant repercussions, including a decline in Trump's domestic support. The conflict has disrupted global oil and gas supplies, with no immediate resolution in sight. A recent Pew Research Center poll indicated that approximately two-thirds of US voters disapprove of Trump’s management of the war, which has led to increased consumer fuel prices and concerns about depleting military reserves. Trump’s Republican Party is also facing a crucial midterm election on November 3, which will determine control of the US Congress, alongside other significant state and local races.

Experts have suggested that Trump's initial hesitation to endorse Netanyahu might have stemmed from public perception that Israel could have influenced the US to enter the war. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s Likud Party and its far-right coalition are facing a potential loss in the October contest to an opposition bloc headed by Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party.

In his Sunday endorsement, Trump stated that it was only a matter of time before Iran would have attacked both the US and Israel. He argued that Iran had already been “systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially, and unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job”. Trump concluded, “If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself.”